Basq House—Byron Bay

The newly opened Basq House, tucked away in a laneway in the heart of Byron Bay village, is a visual tapestry of influences and eras—inspired by the grandeur of Moroccan riads.

Words: Hande Renshaw I Photography: Elise Hassey I Architecture: StudioFAB I Interior Styling: Léo Terrando

Much like a house, and with a distinct indoor-outdoor aesthetic, the reception area features artwork from Byron Bay artist Damian Bisogni and weaved pendant lights from Tigmi Trading.

Playful details at the Basq House reception space. 

The eclectic hideaway is a landing pad for those seeking privacy and peacefulness in a tucked-away laneway in the heart of Byron’s village centre.

The generous, speakeasy-style lounge room flows through to the outdoors, featuring pieces from Bodhi Living and bespoke rugs from local Byron brand, Pampa.

Low-slung leather sofas and an open fireplace make the library space cozy in the cooler months—the perfect place to unwind, for some quiet time or to use as a workspace.

The Basq House interior is a visual tapestry of influences and eras, tones and textures.

In the library, floor-to-ceiling bookcases are filled with an eclectic collection of books comprising classics, travel, art, design, literature and photography.

“The design philosophy for Basq house is a testament to the intertwining of cultural influences and artistic expression—embracing Bohemian spirit and the fluid forms of Fauvism.”

The free-flowing communal spaces are at the heart of Basq House—designed to encourage interaction and connection among guests, places for socialising, to eat, drink, work or play.

Basq House guests have use of the hotel’s Lekker push bikes, beach shades and surfboards.

A whimsical three panelled Brazilian rainforest artwork features in the library space.

Walking into the newly opened Basq House, it’s hard to believe that you’re moments away from the centre of Bryon Bay village, tucked away in a laneway—the distinctly eclectic 32-room boutique hotel is a hideaway and landing pad for those seeking retreat and peacefulness.

Developed by Melbourne-based owners, and great friends, Matt Walsh and Shane Wilkinson, the inspiration for Basq House came when the duo craved a home-away-from-home in idyllic Byron Bay. High on the design priority list was to create a space that felt comfortable and personal—a little like staying at your best friend’s house!

The pair commissioned Matt Dalby, Creative Director and founder of StudioFAB, to design Basq House and locally based Interior designer, Léo Terrando styled the interiors. Inspired by the grandeur of Moroccan riads, Basq House pays homage to tradition, the design philosophy a testament to the intertwining of cultural influences and artistic expression. 'Embracing the bold, fluid forms of Fauvism and a Bohemian spirit, Basq House is a space that speaks to the soul,’ share the owners.

Much like the home of a friend, the reception area, which is adjacent to a generous lounge room, is incredibly inviting, with a distinct indoor-outdoor aesthetic. The space features artwork from Byron Bay artist Damian Bisogni, weaved pendant lights from Tigmi Trading, ceramics and objets d'art, and also doubles as a bar—inviting guests to sit back and slow down, with a Coconut Margarita or Negroni in hand!

For those wanting to work or unwind, the intimate library space is the perfect location for a little solitude, without feeling completely hidden away. The space features a whimsical three panelled Brazilian rainforest artwork, South African carved wooden masks and bespoke floor-to-ceiling bookcases filled with an eclectic collection of books comprising classics, travel, art, design, literature and photography. Low-slung leather sofas and a large open fireplace warm up the room in the cooler months.

Meanwhile, the hotel rooms, many of which overlook the central temperature-controlled magnesium pool, are a mix of formats, thoughtfully designed and stylishly minimalist. A contrast to the communal spaces, the rooms embody a soothing colour palette of neutral tones juxtaposed against bespoke honey-hued timber joinery.

And if you’re keen to see the Byron sights, Basq House is moments to Main and Clarkes Beach and The Pass, or a little further afield to Wategos Beach and Cape Byron walking track to the Lighthouse. For those who want to focus on wellbeing while away (the perfect location to do so!) the hotel rooftop is a space to retreat to for reflection, relaxation and rejuvenation, with zones set out for self-guided yoga and meditation. The hotel will also have access to a bathhouse and wellness centre with infrared saunas, ice plunges and other holistic treatments.

And for those who want to venture out, there are Lekker push bikes, beach shades and surfboards, in addition to two dedicated guest share vehicles, ideal for short dashes around town or adventures to neighbouring towns such as Bangalow, Newrybar, Mullumbimby or Brunswick Heads.

The overall result is a visually rich series of spaces, which evoke a sense of wonder and exploration for relaxation and retreat—the perfect escape!

Book your stay at Basq House here.

The bedrooms, with a mix of formats, are thoughtfully designed and stylishly minimalist.

A pop of earthy terracotta in the shower.

A soothing colour palette of neutral tones juxtaposed against bespoke honey-hued timber joinery in the hotel rooms.

Rich terracotta accents in the otherwise minimally decorated rooms.

The indoor and outdoor spaces are interconnected at Basq House.

Many of the rooms overlook the central temperature-controlled magnesium pool.

Landscaped greenery frames the outdoor pool area—the logo embossed pool, sun-drenched daybeds and cabanas, offering guests an oasis of calm and barefoot breeziness.